Massachusetts Criminal Records

Are criminal records available to the public in Massachusetts?

Because of the Massachusetts Public Records Act, criminal records are available to the public and can be accessed by anyone. You can request a copy of your or anyone else’s criminal record through a state government body that maintains them.

How do I find criminal records in Massachusetts?

Citizens of Massachusetts can get a criminal record check through the Massachusetts government website. Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information services has an online criminal record search as well. You must register an account to be able to search for criminal records this way.

How do I find court records in Middlesex County?

To find court records in Middlesex County, you can either search for a specific division of court records on the state government website or visit a court in Middlesex County that is relevant to the court record that you are seeking. The clerk’s office maintains all court records.

What is a felony in Massachusetts?

A crime will be considered a felony in Massachusetts if the sentence results in prison time rather than jail time. Each felony has its own possible range of years that a judge can sentence a person in state prison. Examples of felonies in Massachusetts include arson, burglary, attempted murder, and aggravated assault.

What is a misdemeanor in Massachusetts?

A misdemeanor in Massachusetts is a crime that results in either only a fine or time served in a local or county jail, not a state prison. Each misdemeanor has a range of sentences that a judge can choose from depending on the individual circumstances. Examples of misdemeanors in Massachusetts include drug possession, DUI, vandalism, and domestic assault.

Are mugshots public record in Massachusetts?

Mugshots are public in Massachusetts and will go on a criminal record to help identify the offender for victims, police officers, or anyone concerned with that offender. Mugshots can be found on inmate records, sex offender registries, and arrest records.

Can I get rid of my criminal record in Massachusetts?

You can wipe your criminal record clean in Massachusetts through a process called expungement. As long as the offense you committed meets certain criteria, then you can expunge your felony after seven years from the end of your sentence or three years for a misdemeanor. If you have two or more convictions, then you cannot be eligible for expungement.

How do I get my record expunged in Massachusetts?

To start the expungement process, you must acquire a Petition to Expunge form, either online or in person. Once you fill it out, you can mail it to the Office of the Commissioner of Probation in Massachusetts. The District Attorney will decide whether or not to object to the expungement, and then you will be mailed copies of your expungement order.

How do I find sex offenders in Massachusetts?

Only information about Level 2 and 3 sex offenders is posted publicly on the Massachusetts sex offender registry. To find information about Level 1 sex offenders, you must contact them directly. However, using the registry, you can search by name or location to find a full profile of the registered sex offender you are looking for.

What is Megan’s Law in Massachusetts?

Megan’s Law in Massachusetts is a version of the sex offender registry law that every state has, with only minor differences. This law ensures that information about released sex offenders’ whereabouts and information is publicly available to help protect the public from potential re-offenses. Sex offenders in Massachusetts must register for 20 years unless they have been deemed a violent offender, in which they must register for life.

How do I search for arrest records in Massachusetts?

Arrest records will appear in Massachusetts criminal records whether you retrieve them from the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, the courts, or an external background check. Arrest records do not prove that someone has actually committed a crime because they only have information relating to the arrest, not the conviction.

How far back can employers check a criminal background in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has state laws that prevent employers from checking criminal records farther back than seven years, in addition to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which is a federal law protecting job applicants from arrests older than seven years, among other things. Additionally, Massachusetts requires employers to provide a copy of the information they receive about a job applicant to them.

How do I find inmates in Massachusetts?

You can find inmates in Massachusetts via their link to the database on the Massachusetts government website. There you will be able to find one’s full inmate record, including their identifying information, past convictions, estimated release date, etc. You can find police reports about inmates by contacting the local police station as well.

How do you check for arrest warrants in Massachusetts?

You can check for arrest warrants in Massachusetts by contacting your local court or a police station. Courts are the ones that issue warrants to individuals who have had criminal complaints filed about them. They are given to the police to search for the individual.

How do I find someone’s parole status in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Parole Board is the place to go to search for inmates and their parole status since they are the ones that manage all of the hearings for parole. Their contact information is listed on their website, so you can contact them there about paroles.

Is DUI a felony in Massachusetts?

A DUI conviction in Massachusetts will typically be a misdemeanor unless it is a repeat offense or causes enough harm to a victim. If the DUI charge is a third offense, it could be sentenced as a felony. If the offense resulted in bodily harm to another or created a risk of death, or caused death, then it can be sentenced as a felony.

Are juvenile criminal records sealed in Massachusetts?

Juvenile criminal records in Massachusetts can be sealed after three years in most cases. You can use the same form for expunging adult records and send it to the Office of the Commissioner of Probation to start the sealing process for juvenile criminal records.